Game day update: Alex Pierce is expected to play, per Ian Rapoport.
The Indianapolis Colts offense has been inconsistent this season, with a lot of that being because of the quarterback position. Anthony Richardson continues to show flashes but lacks the consistency needed. It won’t get much easier for Richardson in Week 13 against the New England Patriots as he could be down two of his top wide receivers. Wide receiver Josh Downs is expected to miss Sunday’s game while Alec Pierce’s status remains in question.
Alec Pierce Injury Status
According to Nate Atkins of the Indy Star, Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce has been listed as questionable by the team heading into Sunday’s game against the Patriots. Pierce has been dealing with a foot injury and did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday. However, Pierce was upgraded to a full participant on Friday ahead of the Patriots game.
With Josh Downs already ruled out, Pierce would be a top option in the passing game for the Colts. His status will be one to keep an eye on Sunday morning. The Colts are set to play the Patriots in New England at 1 p.m. ET.
What Alec Pierce injury means for fantasy football
Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce is set for an increased role in Week 13 with Josh Downs unable to play with a shoulder injury. While Michael Pittman would be the top option in the passing game in Downs’ place, Pierce ranks third on the team in targets this season with 48.
Pierce was a favorite target of Anthony Richardson with Downs out of the lineup in the first two weeks of the season. In Weeks 1 and 2, Pierce had eight catches on ten targets for 181 yards and two touchdowns. He was the WR8 during those weeks. With Downs out, Pierce would jump into that WR2 role in the Colts offense.
In the case that Pierce is unable to play on Sunday, rookie Adonai Mitchell would see more playing time. As a first-round pick, Mitchell hasn’t been as involved in the offense as some may have expected. He’s caught more than one pass just once in the last four weeks. However, if Downs and Pierce were to be out of the lineup, Mitchell would see a lot more playing time across from Pittman.
Pittman remains the safe option in the Colts passing game, especially with Downs already out. However, if Pierce does play, he’ll deserve some flex consideration.
Still, the Colts will likely lean heavily on the running game in New England. This season, the Patriots have allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to running backs. The Patriots have also not faced a mobile quarterback of Richardson’s caliber. Therefore, Richardson could see some success running the ball as well.
